Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Author:      dianecederlund   
Text:        I have a student who would like some information about vitamin C.  
What are the key words associated with this topic?

Response #:  1 of 2
Author:      Lou Harnisch
Text:        Key words:  Ascorbic Acid, water soluble, collagen formation 
(hydroxylation of amino acids proline and lysine), removal of ammonia, 
cholesterol metabolism, enhanced absorption or protection of folacin.  
Deficiency leads to scurvy (takes several months on a " C free diet").  All 
animals need it, but only primates (humans includes), guinea pigs, fruit bats, 
and an Indian bird cannot make it so it is required in the diet.  Any good 
nutrition or biochemistry college text will have plenty of information.

Response #:  2 of 2
Author:      wizkid
Text:        Vitamin C is also recognized as the body's main water-soluble 
ANTIOXIDANT.  This means that it is able to quench dangerous molecules called 
FREE RADICALS in the body.  When too many free radicals accumulate in the 
body, they may damage cells by setting up chain reactions which destabilize 
the body.  This process is called OXIDATION.  So, the words antioxidant, free 
radicals, and oxidation may also help in the search.  Current medical research 
shows that vitamin C and other antioxidants are very promising to prevent 
conditions which may be caused by oxidation (such as atherosclerosis, 
cataracts, cancer, arthritis).  Other antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-
carotene, selenium, niacin, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione 
peroxidase, etc.